'You always know that your results will be good when the model is at ease and has the desire to do well.'
Ok, before you get lost in this set of images, go back and look at the image at top of the page I chose for pic of the day. It also won photographer Steve Jerome a well deserved win on Model Mayhems pic of the day contest. I loved the pose, the mood set and model Dakota Charles' beautiful face, eyes and hair. The pose, and the angle Steve shot reminded me a bit of Chris Hemsworth with his Thor look.
So yes, I mentioned face, eyes and of course Dakota's great head of hair. I am not deliberately ignoring the obvious, Dakota certainly does have a long list of impressive physical features. As beautiful as all of those features are, especially as shot by Steve, They, (it) was not the main reason I so wanted to featured Steve's work with San Diego based model.
The Internet is full of impressive bodies, and body parts. Most of those images, and most of those models we breeze past quickly though, giving them little more than a quick glance before moving on. Steve's images of Dakota had me longing to see more. Dakota just has that rare, unique quality that fills a picture with his personality and aura. His hair is of course incredibly sexy and his hazel eyes are both intelligent and kind. There is something clearly chilled about Dakota, it is in his unassuming confidence and his incredibly sly and sexy grin. Although we might be impressed with dimension, Dakota appears to care less.
Now, I am sure he cares, but I love that it is not his focus, Dakota's focus seems concentrating on connecting emotionally with the camera and those enjoying his images. Steve describes the shoot as enjoyable throughout. Dakota had asked in advance about bringing his wife along to the shoot. Although many photographers feel significant others may stilt a model's comfortability, Steve always welcomes relatives of friends as his experiences is it usually helps them feel more comfortable.
Dakota is interested in all aspects of modeling, but finds that the industry is a difficult nut to crack. 'There always seems to be one element missing each time," he says. "It is either my hair or my weight or something else. I don't mind hard work and also enjoy learning about the other side of the camera and editing. If you ever need a hand on a shoot these muscles do more than look good :)' Although I compared his look to Chris Hemsworth, Steve says in person, Dakota also reminded him of Leonardo DiCaprio. Hard to believe with that combo, success isn't just up ahead
Although they did not have perfect weather for the outdoor shots, Steve shares that Dakota was more than willing to brave the somewhat uncomfortable conditions outside in the buff. Steve says that Dakota's long hair gave them the opportunity to shoot a variety of looks with his hair pulled back and flowing fully for some great contrasting shots. If you can't get enough of Dakota, check out Steve's site where you can see more of his work, and check out prints, with Dakota and others models. Also, check out a few more images from this shoot on the FH Over-Flow!
'I am always amazed at how comfortable models tell me they felt after a shoot. When there is mutual trust that each one is trying to create great images with the hope that some will be spectacular, shoots are much more productive. I find that letting a model know what makes him look his best is always appreciated. I personally like to give a reason to the model about why a particular pose or placement is good or bad for him, and I find that the input almost always results in a better image because the model understands and appreciates the feedback.'
Dakota Charles on Model Mayhem & Instagram